‘A dark, heavy moment’: Area residents, pols respond to violence in Israel
NORTHAMPTON — Following the killing and hostage-taking of Israeli citizens by the Islamic nationalist group Hamas and the formal declaration of war by Israel against the organization in response, several local politicians and organizations around Northampton have responded to the violence that has erupted in the Middle East.
“I am holding our Jewish community in Northampton and beyond in my heart,” said Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra in a statement posted on the city’s Facebook page on Sunday. “I strongly condemn this vicious act of terrorism, mourn the loss of innocent life and urge the swift and safe return of all the hostages.”
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, who has an office in Northampton, also condemned the attacks by Hamas on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.